Junior Applications Engineer - Automation and Concept Development

ATC Automation•Cookeville, TN

About The Position

ATC Automation is hiring an early-career Junior Applications Engineer to help develop concepts and proposals for custom industrial automation systems. Working alongside Applications, Mechanical and Controls Engineers, Sales professionals, customers, and other teams, the engineer will review customer requirements, drawings, production processes, and cycle-time goals to assess automation feasibility and develop practical, cost-effective equipment concepts. The role includes creating preliminary machine and tooling layouts in SolidWorks, estimating equipment costs and process times, preparing technical proposals, and communicating proposed solutions to customers. Projects vary across industries and automation technologies, and the role offers opportunities to learn about custom machine building and develop into an Applications Engineer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Approximately 1–3 years of engineering, manufacturing, automation, machine design, or related experience.
Experience with or working knowledge of SolidWorks.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Basic understanding of mechanical engineering and machine design principles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to organize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically.

Nice To Haves

Experience in custom automation, machine building, or special-purpose machinery.
Experience in manufacturing engineering, mechanical design, or applications engineering.
Experience with cost estimating, quotation, or proposal development.
Experience with automated assembly, robotics, or industrial equipment.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, machining or fabrication, pneumatic systems, or electrical controls.
Experience in automotive manufacturing or medical device or life science manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Review customer drawings, specifications, production requirements, and manufacturing processes.
Assist in developing conceptual machine designs and automation solutions.
Create preliminary machine and tooling layouts using SolidWorks.
Help determine machine processes, sequencing, operator interaction, and cycle-time requirements.
Evaluate approaches and technologies to identify practical, cost-effective solutions.
Research automation components, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
Assist with cost estimates for custom automation equipment, including purchased components, machining, fabrication, assembly, controls, and other equipment requirements.
Develop estimated operator task times and manufacturing cycle times.
Prepare technical proposals and quotation documentation.
Create 3D concepts, renderings, layouts, and visuals to explain proposed solutions to customers.
Assist with customer presentations and technical proposal reviews.
Collaborate with Sales, Applications, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Project Management, and Manufacturing.
Participate in customer discussions to understand manufacturing challenges and requirements.
Translate customer needs into practical automation concepts and communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Support senior Applications Engineers throughout the quotation and proposal process.
Manage assigned tasks and deadlines to support customer and sales objectives.